SYDNEY, Australia (Diya TV) — Anthony Albanese faced a tense moment during Eid prayers at a major mosque in Sydney, where a small group of attendees shouted at him over his government’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The prime minister attended prayers at Lakemba Mosque on Friday morning. Community leaders had invited him to mark the end of Ramadan. The visit aimed to show support for Muslim Australians and address concerns about rising Islamophobia. However, the event quickly turned heated. Several people in the crowd shouted “boo” and told Albanese to leave. Some accused him of supporting violence in Gaza. Others questioned why he attended the gathering.
Witnesses said the disruption came from a small group within a large crowd of more than 30,000 people. Most attendees remained calm and continued with prayers and celebrations. A mosque leader addressed the situation during a speech. He urged the government to engage more with Muslim communities across Australia. He also stressed the importance of dialogue, even during difficult times.
Police removed one man who shouted at the prime minister. Authorities later released him without charges and asked him to move on. Albanese then exited the mosque while some people continued to yell. Despite the incident, organizers said the visit remained important. The Lebanese Muslim Association, which manages the mosque, later released a statement reaffirming its welcome to the prime minister.
The association said emotions remain high due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions in Lebanon. Many Australian Muslims have family ties to these regions, which makes the issue deeply personal.
Still, the group emphasized the need for engagement with political leaders. It said speaking directly to elected officials helps communities express concerns and seek change. During the event, community leader Gamel Kheir highlighted this point. He said communities should not fully disengage from politics. At the same time, he warned against using such events for simple photo opportunities.
Albanese later spoke to reporters about the visit. He said most people welcomed him warmly. He described the overall reception as “incredibly positive.”
He suggested the protests may relate to recent government decisions. These include moves to ban extremist organizations such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has drawn criticism for its views. Before attending the mosque, Albanese shared photos on social media. He called the visit an honor and said he valued the chance to connect with the community.
The incident reflects broader tensions in Australia since the start of the Israel-Gaza war. The conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The attack killed more than 1,200 people and led to hundreds of hostages.
Israel’s military response in Gaza has caused widespread destruction and tens of thousands of deaths, according to local health authorities. The situation has sparked protests and strong reactions worldwide, including in Australia. Reports of both Islamophobia and antisemitism have increased across the country. Religious sites, including Lakemba Mosque, have received threats in recent months.
This is not the first time Australian politicians have faced backlash at Eid gatherings. Critics often argue that religious celebrations should stay separate from politics. During a previous federal election campaign, another politician faced a similar situation at a mosque in Melbourne. He had to leave the event after attendees heckled him.
The Albanese government has also faced criticism over other issues. These include its response to the Gaza conflict and domestic security concerns. Officials recently joined allies like the United Kingdom and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state, a move that has drawn mixed reactions.
